Qatar, unperturbed by the ongoing unjust blockade, celebrated National Day on Tuesday with great fervor and patriotism, holding an array of cultural events and activities across the country and abroad under the motto: ‘As long as it is proven by our deeds ... Qatar remains free’.

The parade on the Doha Corniche, attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and a number of other dignitaries was the highlight of the day.

Apart from the celebrations in Qatar embassies around the world, the National Day this year also witnessed numerous events and cultural activities and performances taking place in various locations across the country.

Aspire Zone Foundation, for the first time, organised a unique fireworks display on Monday night at Aspire Park, fascinating thousands of specators.

A large number of people took part in the Friendship Parade that was held at Aspire Zone on Monday. The activity was held by the Organising Committee of the Qatar National Day celebrations in order to highlight the unity and love for Qatar among expatriate communities. Besides the committee, the activity was organised by the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions and accredited offices.

At Darb Al Saai, about 30 entities from government and non-governmental sectors are taking part in several cultural and entertainment activities, which attracted a large number of visitors since its opening on December 12.

Katara – the Cultural Village organised over 45 events and activities for nine days to mark this year’s National Day, drawing huge crowds from various communities. The ‘Citizens and expats — we are one’ opera, which concludes today, was among the highlights of the celebrations.

Katara also unveiled its high-tech Al Thuraya planetarium, the first astronomical dome in the country, on Tuesday . It was attended by Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti and HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, several diplomats and dignitaries, marking a significant achievement for Qatar.

A parachute jump by Qatar’s special forces is also expected to attract a large number of visitors today from 4pm, including a 10-minute fireworks backed by some 500 drones.